What causes prostate hyperplasia? What should you pay attention to?

Prostatic hyperplasia, also known as prostate enlargement, is a common male disease, especially in middle-aged and older men. This article will explore the causes of prostatic hyperplasia and daily precautions to help readers better understand and prevent this health problem.

1. Causes

The occurrence of prostate hyperplasia is affected by many factors, including lifestyle, genetic factors, age, etc. The following are some factors that may cause prostate hyperplasia:

1. Age

As men age, their prostate glands gradually increase in size, which is a natural physiological phenomenon. The prostate gland is a gland unique to men, and its main function is to secrete prostatic fluid to help maintain sperm motility. As men age, the proliferation of prostate cells accelerates, leading to prostate hyperplasia. Data show that more than half of men aged 60 and nearly 90% of men aged 80 have varying degrees of prostate hyperplasia.

2. Genetic factors

Genetic factors play an important role in the occurrence of prostate hyperplasia. Studies have shown that if an individual has a family history of prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer, the individual's risk of developing prostate hyperplasia will increase significantly. Therefore, family history should be considered as one of the risk factors for prostate hyperplasia.

3. Changes in hormone levels

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, and it plays an important role in the occurrence of prostate hyperplasia. With changes in hormone levels, especially a decrease in testosterone levels, the growth of prostate tissue may be affected, leading to prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, the balance of male hormones is essential to maintain prostate health.

4. Bad living habits

Bad living habits are also one of the important factors leading to prostate hyperplasia. Unbalanced diet, long-term urine retention, excessive drinking and other behaviors will increase the risk of prostate hyperplasia. High-salt, high-fat diet and lack of exercise may have adverse effects on prostate health. Therefore, maintaining good living habits is crucial to preventing prostate hyperplasia.

5. Inflammation and infection

Prostate inflammation or infection is also a common factor in the development of BPH. Inflammation can cause prostate tissue to swell, which increases the likelihood of BPH. Prompt treatment of prostate inflammation and infection is essential to maintaining prostate health.

2. Precautions

In addition to understanding the causes of prostate hyperplasia, daily precautions are also crucial. Here are some things you should pay attention to in your daily life:

1. Eat healthy

Diet plays a vital role in prostate health. Some studies have shown that a high-fat diet and a lack of vegetable and fruit intake may be associated with the occurrence of prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, it is recommended that men consume more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, in their daily diet, while reducing the intake of red meat and high-fat foods, which can help reduce the risk of prostate hyperplasia.

In addition, some nutrients have also been shown to be beneficial to prostate health, such as zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Eating foods containing these nutrients in moderation or supplementing them through supplements can help maintain prostate function.

2. Exercise moderately

Moderate exercise is essential for maintaining good health and has a positive impact on prostate health. Regular exercise can help control weight, improve cardiovascular function, and promote metabolism, thereby reducing the risk of prostate hyperplasia.

Studies have shown that doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week can bring many benefits. This includes aerobic exercise such as running, cycling, and swimming. In addition, adding some exercises for the pelvic floor muscles can also help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and maintain prostate health.

3. Regular medical check-ups

Regular physical examinations are an important means of preventing and early detecting diseases such as prostate hyperplasia. Middle-aged and elderly men should undergo a prostate-related physical examination every year, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, rectal examination, etc. Through regular physical examinations, prostate problems can be detected early and appropriate treatment measures can be taken, thereby improving treatment effects and reducing the occurrence of complications.

4. Dietary hydration

Drinking enough water helps dilute urine, reduce stimulation to the prostate, and reduce the risk of prostate disease. It is recommended to drink an appropriate amount of water every day. Drinking more water can help excrete waste and harmful substances in the body and reduce the chance of prostate damage.

5. Maintain a reasonable lifestyle

Maintaining a regular lifestyle and avoiding holding urine for long periods of time and excessive fatigue can help maintain prostate health.

Understanding the causes of prostate hyperplasia and paying attention to related matters in daily life are crucial to the prevention and management of prostate hyperplasia. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular physical examinations, the risk of prostate hyperplasia can be reduced and the quality of life can be improved. I hope the content of this article can help readers better understand prostate hyperplasia and take effective preventive measures.

Author: Zhang Yu, Baoding Second Central Hospital